What does it take to build a fire truck? More importantly, what career opportunities make it possible?
As part of the new Classrooms to Careers initiative by Ocala Metro Chamber & Economic Partnership (CEP), local middle school teachers, counselors, and administrators spent a day immersed in the world of manufacturing at E-ONE, one of the nation’s leading fire apparatus manufacturers.
As both a sponsor and host, E-ONE provided educators with a firsthand look at the people, technology, and skilled trades that transform raw materials into life-saving emergency vehicles. The goal was simple: equip educators with a deeper understanding of today’s manufacturing careers so they can help students make informed decisions about their futures.
During their visit, participants toured E-ONE’s manufacturing facilities, experienced an aerial platform ride, and assembled an electrical connector used on E-ONE fire trucks. Along the way, they met team members representing a wide variety of careers — from welding, electrical assembly, machining, fabrication, and painting to engineering, quality, supply chain, and leadership — demonstrating the diverse opportunities available within modern manufacturing.
“My favorite part was going to E-ONE and seeing all the diverse jobs they have available,” said Shanda Nikolajski, a counselor at Belleview Middle School.
Mike Virnig, President of E-ONE and the Terex Fire Group, emphasized the company’s commitment to workforce development.
“We’re proud to support the CEP’s Classrooms to Careers initiative,” he said. “Helping educators understand today’s career opportunities is an investment in tomorrow’s workforce.”
The three-day program also introduced educators to careers in healthcare and the equine industry before concluding with a friendly competition. Each school team developed and presented a plan for bringing career awareness back to their classrooms through innovative lesson plans and student activities. Lake Weir Middle School earned first place—and a $2,000 award for their school—with a program focused on interview preparation, professional communication, and employability skills.
For Cliff Weyrauch, who teaches Advanced US History and Civics at Liberty Middle School, the experience reinforced the importance of connecting classrooms with local employers.
“For teachers when they see it, they can communicate to students that these types of opportunities exist. If you don’t know they exist, you can’t help guide students in that direction or even present that as an option.”
The success of the inaugural program has inspired plans for expansion next year, with additional industries and more educator participation.
“I’m very excited about how this turned out,” said Beth McCall, Director of Talent Development & Advocacy for the CEP. “We will grow it next year. We will add more sectors to the program. We will add more teachers, possibly split and have two classrooms to careers going at the same time.”
Watch the video to learn more.
